John Francis Fee

It is with great sadness that the Fee Family announces the passing of John Frances Fee. He left us on June 16, 2023, at the age of 76. John was originally from Chicago, Illinois and for most of his adult life was a San Diego, CA resident.

As a young man, the United States Navy’s NOSE program recognized John as Officer material and awarded him scholarships to Purdue University. He graduated from Purdue University with both a BS and Master’s degrees in Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering, earning additional advanced degrees, later. While at Purdue he was an active Crew Team member.

Purdue Crew was where his Leadership skills evolved. “In 1971 and 1972, John was recognized by his teammates, who voted for him to receive Purdue Crew’s prestigious Hovde Award. The Hovde Award honors the crew member who, through personal sacrifice, loyalty, and perseverance, has done the most to uphold the honor and tradition of Purdue Crew." As President of the Crew Team, he helped his teammates understand that hard work, commitment to others, personal integrity, and success were achieved by always doing one’s best. John pushed others to find their limits, to help them find their inner soul, to learn who to trust, and how to support one another. John exemplified rowing’s critical life lessons: teamwork, commitment to achieve, the necessity to rely upon others. His leadership style demanded the most from those who could offer the most.

Upon graduation from Purdue, he spent 20 years proudly serving in the United States Navy, primarily in the Nuclear Submarine Service. While serving on the USS Truxton, a nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser, his Commanding Officer described John as “the Only Grown-Up on the ship.” His work ethic and striving for perfection affected others to do the same.

John continued his efforts at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station where he had a major leadership role, managing the largest organization in the Plant. In addition to his 7-day work week, He spent most of his holidays at the plant acknowledging those who, like him, had forgone their own celebrations and which enabled others with families to be at home. He recognized and promoted women’s leadership skills long before it was popular and politically correct.

John mentored many to achieve more than they ever had thought possible. Many remember how he was able to see the potential in others that they hadn’t seen in themselves. He was perceived by some at SONGS as a “Teacher, a Guru to many.” He taught what he believed: advising that ‘Leaders should be like miners looking for gold…that there is undiscovered gold in everyone. And if we were to look hard enough and were persistent, kind, and maintained true to our values, ourselves, and the organizations we supported, we would find that gold.’

John retired from SONGS completing his 46 years in the nuclear industry. “He was well-loved and respected. He enriched the lives of so many of the people he touched. All were better off from it.”

John left behind his loving family and is survived by his Sister Margaret Guastella and Brothers James and Larry; Sisters-in-Law Yvonne and Christine; Nephews and Great Nephews, and his Great Niece. Lorna Piercy loved and cherished him for many years---along-with a close-knit group of friends.

He will not be forgotten.

…A teacher sure stands taller above,

Every other mortal who serves!!

Excerpt from “A Teacher-(‘Guru’)” by Valsa George

A private Ash-Scattering is being arranged.

Donations in John’s memory may be made to Father Joe's Villages in San Diego or

Purdue Crew Alumni Endowment https://www.purduecrew.com/endowments